Course Summary:This course is an introduction to the quantum theory of matter, with particular applications to problems of chemical interest. Our discussion of the subject of quantum chemistry will be based on the Schrödinger equation, the wave equation for matter waves. We will discuss the solutions to the Schrödinger equation for a number of important model systems, including piecewise constant potentials, the simple harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor, and the Coulomb potential. We will apply these results to chemical bonding and atomic and molecular structure. Chemistry 251 is for undergraduates. There are weekly problem sets. Students also participate in workshops each week. Chemistry 441 is for graduate students who have not had previous coursework in quantum chemistry. Chemistry 441 students will have additional homework assignments. This course uses the Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 - 9:30 am Common Exam time.

Course Topics:

Introduction, Planck distribution, necessity for quantum hypothesis.

Photoelectric effect, heat capacity of solids, line spectra of atoms, Bohr theory of the atom.